Belt coupling



E. E. BRUNNER BELT COUPLING Feb. 7, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 28, 1945 Fly 4 INVENTOR. E.E. BRUNNER dzzflyw Feb. 7, 1950 E. E. BRUNNER BELT COUPLING Filed Nov. 28, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 n9 |3| I I6 :22 R23 mo :3: I55 I23 n3 1N VEN TOR.

H 5E. BRNNER yw yw Patented Feb. 7, 1950 BELT COUPLING Eugene E. Brunner, York, Pa., assignor to The Standard Stoker Company, Incorporated, a corporation of Delaware Application November 28, 1945, Serial No. 631,266

9 Claims.

This invention relates to power transmitting belts and more particularly to means for connecting the adjoining ends of belts formed of flexible composition material.

An object of the invention is to provide improved means for connecting the adjoining ends of power transmitting belts, in which the connector includes a flexible coupling member arranged to permit free movement of the adjoining ends of the belt.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for connecting the adjoining ends of power transmitting belts, in which each end of the belt has a socket member embedded therein and disposed in the body of the belt in spaced relation to the ends thereof, and in which the socket members are arranged to receive the ends of a coupling member having a flexible section interposed between the socket members.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for connecting the ends of a power transmitting belt, in which one end of the belt is formed with a pocket in which is mounted a female member and the other end of the belt carries a male member arranged to be mounted within the female member and pivotally connected thereto so that the adjoining ends of the belt are free to flex when the belt passes over pulleys or sheaves.

With the foregoing and other objects and advantages in View, the invention consists in the preferred construction and arrangement of the several parts which will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the adjoining ends of a power transmitting belt having a preferred form of the connecting means of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 the connecting means being shown by full lines and the outline of the belt being shown by broken lines;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the coupling member;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the socket members;

Fig. '7 is a side elevation, partly in longitudinal section, of the adjoining ends of a power transmitting belt having a modified form of connectmg means;

2 Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the end of the belt having the female member;

Fig. 10 is an end view of the structure shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the end of the belt having the male member; and

Fig. 12 is an end view of the structure shown in Fig. 11.

Referring to Figures 1 through 6 of the drawings showing the preferred form of the invention, the belt I I may be formed of suitable molded material and may have a plurality of V-shaped ribs l2, l3 and M, as shown in Fig. 3. These ribs are formed lengthwise of the belt and extend radially from the main body portion II.

In order to limit to a minimum the amount of stretching of the material used in constructing the belt II, a cable or similar element 15, can be embedded lengthwise within the main body of the molded material, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The adjacent ends of the belt may be formed with a series of similar flat faces l6, l1, l8 and I9, said faces being angularly disposed with relation to each other, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The arrangement of the end faces of the belt is such that when the two ends of the belt are butted together, as shown in Fig. 2, the two faces 19 will contact or abut each other, and the pair of faces l6, l1 and I8 will diverge from each other, as shown in Fig. 1. By this construction, when the joint of the belt passes over pulleys or sheaves, the belt will be free to bend or flex, the V-shaped gaps between the angularly disposed faces being closed to some extent during such bending movements.

For the purpose of connecting the two adjoining ends of the belt ll together, suitable means are provided.

A U-shaped socket member 21 is embedded in each end of the belt. This socket member may have the form of the element shown in Fig. 6, and comprises two side legs 22 and a cross piece or bar 23 connecting the side legs and arranged at one end of the member 2|.

The cross bar 23 of each socket member 2| is formed with an opening 24, in which opening is inserted an end of the cable Hi. The cable may be secured to the socket member by any suitable means, such as by solder or welding the two together, so that the socket member will not become detached from the cable as the result of strains or stresses imposed thereon.

The side legs 22 of each socket member 2| are formed with alined openings 25, and similar alined openings 25 are formed in the body of the belt I I, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

The arrangement of each socket member 2I in each end of the belt II is such that the ends of the side legs 22 terminate at a distance inwardly from the face I 9, rand: as shown iniFig. 2, the material of thebelt I I may be molded around the ends of the legs 22 so that the socket member 2| is locked or embedded within the body of the belt material.

Extending outwardly from the socket member 2I to the end face I9 of the belt and arranged between the two side legs 22, is an' opening 2'1.

For coupling the two socket members 2| together, a connector or coupling member 3| is provided.

This connector 3I comprises a link, preferably formed of flexible material, such as a suitable length of twisted wire cable, andend portionsi32 at each end for insertion between the jaws provided 'by the twosidele'gsZZ of the socket members 2|.

*Each end'portion 32-has an openingP33' formed transversely therein for registration with the alined openings 25, 28.

A pin 34 is adaptedto be driven through each set *of alined openings for' connecting the coupling member 3| to the socket members 2|, respectively. Preferably each pin 34 has a length slightly greater-than the maximum 'wi'dth of the socket memb81321, so thatthe-endslof each-pin will terminate atia.-':distance inwardly fromlthe outer surfaces of the :belt, as shown inFigseZrand 3.

#From 'th'eiore'going it will be noted thatthis invention; provides a simple and flexible .means for connecting the adjoining ends of a :belt together. .Since theintermediate portion of the coupling. member. 3I is formed of a. flexible cable, and J'since the tWOJGl'ldSJOf said coupling member are'tpivotallyconnected' to thesocket members ZI by the pin 34,"the connected:end portions of the belt will be as flexible as the rest of the body of the belt and the connectors will not have any tendency to stiiren .thissection .or the belt, although being-adapted to'firmlyand strongly hold the two'ends of the-belt together.

Referringto Figures-T-through 12 of the drawings showing a modified .form of the invention, the

belt IIImay benformed of suitable molded material and. may have a plurality of V.-shaped,ribs H2, H3, I I- rand-I I-5,-as.sh0wn in Figs. wand 12. These ribs areiormedlengthwise .of the belt .and

mayextendradiallyirom themain bodyportion III.

In order to limit to a minimum.the amount of stretchingof the material used in constructing the .belt II I,.a cableorsimilarelement II 6, can be embedded lengthwise within the main body of themolded material, as shown in Figs. '7 and 8.

'Each end of the beltmay be formed with a series of flat facesIII, H8, H9 and I20, said faces being angularly disposed with .relation to ea'chother.

'The arrangement of the end faces of the belt is such that when the two ends are butted together, the 'ttwo"facesll8"will contact or abut each other, andthe'pairsof faces 1, H9 and I20 will diverge from each other. By this con-. struction; when the joint of the belt passes'over pulleysor sheaves,'the beltwill .be free to'bend or iflex; the. V*-shaped"gaps' between the angularly disposed" faces-being -closed to. some extent "during such bending movements.

For the purpose of connecting the two ends of the belt I I I together, suitable means are provided.

Embedded in one end of the belt is a U-shaped member I2I which constitutes a female member of the belt connecting means. This U-shaped member comprises two side legs I22 and a cross piece or bar I23 at one end of the legs.

.The cross bar 1:23 isfformed withua-n opening I2d,-in-whichopening isinserted an end of the cable I It. The cable may be secured to the member I2I by any suitable means, such as by solder or-weld-ing, so that the member will not become detached from the cable as the result of strains or stresses-imposed thereon.

'The side legsIZZ-of the U-shaped member I2I are-formed with-aimed openings I25, and similar valined openings I.2-$;a1e formed in the body of the belt I I I, as shown in Fig. 7.

"The-arrangement of the U-shaped member I2I in the end of the belt III is such that the ends of th stdellegs' I22 terminate at:.acdis.tance:inwa1fdly from the: face I It; .S'O13STtOTDIOVidGWWTG- cess or pocket: tt'iin-t'he endiof't-hehelt.

The other end of the belt "carries :a male or coupling member I 31 Theimember IEI preferably has thei-orm-iofwa T, with one .leg I 32 i-ofthe' T projecting longitudinally from :the' end of i the .belt iford-nsertion within :the 'jaws provided .by r the two side legs I22 of the U-shaped member'I-2I. The cross bar or :other leg I 33 of the -T.-.shaped, :male :member I3-I rhas-a face abutting the= endrface I I8--of the belt.

:An opening I34 is termed in= the :maimbody of the T -shaped malermember' I13 I, in. which-openi-ngis inserted the end Iof'the cabIe-IIG. The cable may besecured to the male member I3 I :by anysuitabie meana suchias by solder. mar-welding, so thattsaid member willmotzbecome detached fromvthe-cable .asthe result of, strains onstresses imposed thereon.

The leg t32 -of the T-sh-apedl male member I-3.I has an .open-ing I35; formed transversely therein for registration withtheaalrlned opening 125, I 26.

A pin I35 is: adapted tobe. driven .throughthe al-inedaopenings-lzfi, I.26..an d 1351M connecting the female. and .male members I2 I @and I3 I together inv the manner shown in.Fig..- 7.

Since the female member I2I..is .setbackorinwardly from ;the..end.face of the .beltand since the pocket. I27 providesa recess .forthe. male member. I3 I ,..the two ends -of .thebelt .,can..be-.arranged .with theiaces I I8 butting each other. In such position the male member I 3] wilLbe disposed within the pocket. 12]

.Ffrom .the. foregoing .it will 1 be. noted .that .the couplinggdevice. of vthepresent inventicnprovides a simple and "flexible. meansjor. connecting the adjoining ends of a belt together.

Whilel have described .the invention in great detail and with respect to the'jpresentpreferred form thereof, it is not desired tdbelimited thereto since changes and modifications maybe .ma'de therein without departing; from the spirit .and scope of the invention. "The-invention may be embodied mother specific forms without departing from the essential characteristicsthereof. The present embodiment is -therefore "to -be -considered in all respects as illustrative andtnotirestrictive. the-scope of-the-invent1on *beinglndicated by the appended claims ratherthan'by the foregoing descriptionpandall-changes which come within the "meaning and range of "equivalency of the claimsaretherefore intended to be embraced therein.

amazon I claim:

1. Means for connecting the adjoining 'ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material having a cable embedded longitudinally therein, comprising, in combination, a U-shaped socket member embedded entirely within an end of the belt and having the cross piece thereof connected to the cable in said end of the belt, a rigid coupling member for insertion between the two side legs of said socket member, alined openings formed in the two side legs of said socket member and an opening in said coupling member for registration with the alined openings in the legs of said Socket member, a pin mounted in said openings for pivotally connecting the coupling member and socket member, and a flexible cable connecting said coupling member with the other of said adjoining ends of the belt.

2. Means for connecting the adjoining ends of a belt comprising, in combination, a U-shaped socket member embedded in each end of the belt, a coupling having a pair of rigid coupler members adapted to be received in said socket members and an intermediate flexible section, and means for pivotally connecting each of said coupler members to the socket members, respectively.

3. Means for connecting the adjoining ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material comprising, in combination, a U-shaped socket member embedded in each end of the belt, the extremities of the two side legs of each said socket member terminating at a point spaced inwardly from the end of the belt, an opening formed lengthwise in the belt and extending from the space between said socket member legs outwardly to the end of the belt, a coupling member comprising a link and having a portion at each end for insertion between the jaws provided by the two side legs of each said socket member, and means for pivotally connecting each end portion of said coupling member to the socket member in each end respectively of the belt.

4. Means for connecting the adjoining ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material comprising, in combination, a U-shaped socket member embedded in each end of the body of the belt, the extremities of the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member terminating at a point spaced inwardly from the end of the belt, alined openings formed in the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member, said alined openings also extending through thebody of thebeltmaterial to provide an opening transversely through the body of the belt adjacent to each end thereof, a coupling member adapted to connect the socket members of the adjoining ends of the belt, said coupling member comprising a link having a portion at each end thereof for insertion within the jaws provided by the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member, an opening formed within each said end portion of said coupling member for registration with the alined openings in the legs of said U-shaped members respectively, and a. pin mounted in each set of alined openings for connecting the coupling member to the socket members respectively.

5. Means for connecting the ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material having a cable embedded longitudinally therein comprising, in combination a U-shaped socket member embedded in each end of the belt and having its main body portion fastened to the end of the cable, the extremities of the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member terminating at a point spaced inwardly from th end of the belt, alined openings formed in the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member, said alinedopenings also extending through the body of the belt, a coupling member adapted to connect the socket members of the abutting ends of the belt, said coupling member comprising a link having an end portion at each end for insertion within the jaws provided by the two side legs of each said U-shaped socket member, an opening formed within each end portion of said coupling member for registration with the alined openings in the legs of said U-shaped socket members respectively, and a pin mounted in each set of alined openings for connecting the coupling member to the socket members.

6. Means for connecting the ends of a belt having a cable embedded longitudinally therein comprising, in combination, a U-shaped member embedded in each end of the belt and having its main body portion connected to the end of the cable, alined openings formed in the two side legs of each said U-shaped member, said alined openings also extending through the body of the belt to provide an opening transversely through the belt adjacent each end thereof, a coupling member adapted to connect the U-shaped members, said coupling member comprising a link having a rigid headed end portion at each end thereof for insertion within the jaws provided by the two side legs of each said U-shaped member and a flexible portion connecting said end portions, an opening formed in each headed end portion of said coupling member for registration with the alined openings in the legs of said U-shaped members respectively, and-a pin driven through each set of alined openings for pivotally connecting the coupling member to the U-shaped members, respectively.

7. Means for connecting the ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material having a cable embedded longitudinally therein, comprising, in combination, a female member embedded in an end of the belt and having its main body portion connected to the end of the cable, a pocket formed in the end of the belt between the female member and the end face of the belt, and-a male member connected to the end of the cable at the other end of the belt, said male member having a portion for attachment to said female member and a portion for insertion within said pocket so that the two end faces of the belt can be butted together, and means for connecting the male member to the female member.

8. Means for connecting the adjoining ends of a belt formed of flexible composition material having a cable embedded longitudinally therein, comprising, in combination, a female U-shaped member disposed in an end of the belt and having its main body portion connected to the end of the cable, said female member having a pair of side legs, the extremities of said side legs terminating at a point spaced inwardly from the end of the belt, alined openings formed in the two side legs of said U-shaped female member, said alined openings also extending transversely through the body of the belt to provide an opening through the belt adjacent an end thereof, a male coupling member adapted to connect the ends of the belt together, said male member having its main body portion connected to the end of the cable at the other end of the belt, said male member having the form of a T with one leg projecting longitudinally from the end of the belt for insertion within the jaws provided by the two side legs of said U-shaped female 7 member, the otherleg :ofesaid Tsha-ped1 -male member having a fac zabutting'the end faceof the beltan opening formed -in thevlongitudinal leg of said male-member for registrationwith thealined openings in the side legs ofsaid female member, and a pin driven through the: alined openings of said male and female members for connecting the two said members together.

9.,Means for connecting the-ends of a belt formed of flexible com-position :material having avcable embedded longitudinally therein, comprising, in combination, a female U-shapedmember disposed in an 'endof the belt.and having itsxrnain body portion connected :to the-end .of said cable, said :female member havinga'a pair of spacedside :legs terminating at a-pointgspaced inwardly from the end of the belt to provide a pocket in the end of the:belt,:=said DOGkGtrGX- tending from the end face-of the belt inwardly to thecross piece ofsaid female member-which connects the two side legs, alined openings formed in the two side legs of said U-shapediemale member, said alined openings also extending transversely through'the body ofthe belt to provide an opening through the body of the belt adjacent an end thereof, a coupling member arranged to connect theends of the belt together, said coupling member'comprising a male l-member-having its main body portion connected to the-endof the cable at the other end of the :belt,

said male member having the form of a'"T with one leg of the T projecting longitudinally from the end of the belt for insertion within therjaws provided :bythe two side legstof isaid tueshaped female l-member theiother leg'of the -T' having a REFERENGES CITED The followingreferences are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name 'Date 1,466,127 Gottscha'lt Aug.i28', 1923 1,467,713 'De' Voe -Sept. 11, 19 23 2;0381469 Bannister Apr.'21,"1936 2,2-11361'5 "Brickman-et' al -'Aug. -13, 1940 JFOREIGN :PATENTS Number Country Date 1280; Great Britain May .2,' 1'928 

